The Jacob Shapiro Podcast

Welcome to week two! Rob and Jacob are back at it, updating you on the latest and greatest trends in the Market, Supply Chains, and Tech.00:30:-23:00 Market update23:00-31:20: Mexico supply chains31:20-end: “Friction” and technologyThanks for tuning in!Make sure to check out the Cognitive Dissidents site and services here.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Jacob sits down with Laurie McFarlane, co-director of Future Economy Scotland, for a (non-Gulf War related, finally) conversation about what makes Scotland one of the more fascinating geopolitical underdogs around. The two dig into Scotland's constrained economic agency within the UK, the squandered promise of North Sea oil, the renewable energy transition, and why Scotland - like much of Europe - risks sleepwalking into managed decline.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Welcome And Setup(01:30) - Why Scotland Now(02:35) - Future Economy Scotland Origins(05:54) - Early Impact And Strategy(07:55) - Devolution Limits And Agency(13:11) - North Sea Oil And Missed Fund(15:24) - Managed Decline And Renewables(20:26) - Who Benefits From Wind(22:04) - UK Pricing And Regional Bills(24:16) - Decoupling Gas And Next Steps(27:03) - Green Transition Jobs(29:26) - Avoiding Deindustrialization(31:20) - Searching For Analogies(34:19) - Ireland And Independence(36:51) - Renewables Leverage Limits(39:18) - Water As Strategic Asset(40:57) - Brexit And Global Power(43:47) - Nukes And Security Debate(46:41) -Future Growth Model(49:37) - Sharing Growth Fairly(52:35) - Europe Coordination Vision(53:56) - Closing--Referenced in the Show:--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Solo analysis from Jacob! Some reflection on being wrong about the Third Gulf War. Jacob outlines why he thought the war wouldn't happen - interceptor shortages, domestic politics, inflation risk, and explains what's shaken his analytical framework: the killing of moderate Iranian leaders, the appointment of a hardline Supreme Leader, the U.S. confusing firepower for strategy, and, of course, allies refusing to cooperate. --Timestamps:(00:27) - Why No US Attack(02:15) - Iran Geography Leverage(02:56) - US Politics Inflation Risk(05:19) - Noninterventionist Contradiction(06:26) - War Starts Timebox Logic(07:50) - Leadership Decapitation Fallout(08:43) - Hardliners Take Over(10:02) - Firepower Not Strategy(11:32) - Ground Troops And Oil Moves(12:43) - Allies China And Shipping(15:06) - South Pars Escalation(16:45) - Iran Presses Advantage(17:36) - Is The Framework Broken(18:17) - Foxes Hedgehogs Forecasting(19:38) - White House Meme Strategy(21:37) - Grim Outlook Food Shock(23:08) - Wrap Up And Subscribe--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Jacob Shapiro sits down with journalist Jody Ray, who just returned from on-the-ground reporting in Ethiopia and Eritrea. This convo is a gateway into one of the most underreported conflicts brewing today - a potential war over Red Sea access with echoes of Cold War rivalries, ethnic fracture lines, and a region that's been through hell once already. If you enjoyed the conversation, check out more of Jody's work below!--Timestamps:(01:22) - Meet Jodi in Nairobi(01:38) - Why Ethiopia Matters(03:20) - Ethiopia Basics(05:44) - Cold War Backstory(07:13) - From Empire to Derg(10:28) - TPLF Rule and Abiy Rise(12:37) - How Tigray War Started(14:55) - War Aftermath and Red Sea(16:46) - Why Tigray Didn't Take Addis(18:48) - Eritrea Explained(23:17) - Regional Powers and the Dam(25:38) - Little Dubai in Addis(27:24) - Addis Boom And Displacement(28:47) - Capital City Versus Hinterlands(30:32) - Nightlife And Image Management(31:21) - Tigray Trip And War Signs(32:28) - Life In Mekelle After War(35:12) - Drone Strikes And Media Crackdown(37:30) - Fighters And Civilian Resolve(40:38) - Plea To The International Community(42:26) - Ethiopia Fragmentation And Armed Regions(45:22) - Horn Powder Keg And Twitter Diplomacy(48:15) - Why Ethiopia Matters To Him(51:58) - Travel Origins And Chinese Factory Clue(53:59) - Closing Thoughts And Thanks--Referenced in the Show:Jody's Work - https://jodyray.journoportfolio.com/--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Jacob sets down the grand strategy for a gripping personal story, catching up with his high school friend Avi Swerdlow, who landed in Israel the day before the new Gulf War erupted. Avi recounts waking to sirens, sheltering with his mother, and navigating a closed airspace in a circuitous scramble to get home - a reminder that geopolitics is always personal. Note: If you know anyone in a Gulf or Middle Eastern state who has had to scramble in a similar way, or is experiencing the war on the ground, please connect us! We would love to feature their story. --Timestamps:(00:00) - Hello (01:10) - Meet Avi Swerdlow(01:58) - Siren Wake Up Call(02:57) - Did You See It Coming(05:53) - Flights Canceled Fast(07:57) - Airbnb Safe Room Help(10:29) - Embassy Alerts and STEP(12:29) - Planning Land Escape(14:07) - State Dept Evac Call(16:30) - Airport Chaos and Shelter(22:12) - Boarding DHS Evac Flight(24:08) - Arrival in Athens(24:17) - Athens to Rome Reset(25:25) - Historic Moment Reflections(26:28) - Evacuation Costs and Embassies(27:30) - Inside the DHS Plane(31:26) - Landing in Athens and Relief(34:00) - Fellow Passengers Georgia Detour(35:04) - Would You Go Back(36:27) - Work and Family Back Home(38:06) - Egypt Plan and Risk Tradeoffs(39:46) - Other Routes and Final Wrap--Referenced in the Show:--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Iran expert Hamidreza Azizi joins Jacob Shapiro to break down the issues posed by Iran's blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. Azizi explains Iran's phased strategy: take out US radar systems first, then threaten energy infrastructure. He also unpacks who's actually running Tehran right now, why China and Russia are quietly helping, and why no optimistic scenario exists for Iran's long-term future.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Welcome and Guest Intro(00:41) - War Week Context(01:56) - Reza Returns(02:50) - How Long Can It Last(08:02) - Damage and Endgames(13:36) - Why Hit Gulf States(18:15) - Energy and Strait Pressure(21:39) - Can Iran Hit America(24:12) - Cyber Limits(26:26) - Who Runs Iran Now(34:34) - Iran Power Centers(37:31) - Ceasefire Off Ramp(39:40) - Keeping US Out(42:08) - China Strait Calculus(45:27) - Russia China Intel Aid(48:41) - Proxy War Limits(57:09) - Iranian Public Mood(01:04:24) - One Year Outlook(01:06:25) - Closing Thanks--Referenced in the Show:--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Geopolitical analyst Kamran Bokhari joins Jacob to break down the US/Israeli joint strike on Iran. Is this regime change, or coercion? Bokhari argues the limited force deployment points to a "Venezuela model" - targeting IRGC hardliners while preserving moderate military figures to negotiate a nuclear deal. But... Has the moment for regime collapse has already passed? The two also explore the regional fallout: Kurdish mobilization, Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, and the risk of Iranian state collapse cascading across Eurasia.--Timestamps:(00:43) - Iran Response And Targets(01:08) - Decapitation And Cyber Angle(01:51) - US Firepower And Scale(04:38) - Is This Regime Change(07:06) - Why Not Full Invasion(11:08) - Endgame And Negotiations(12:36) - Backchannels And Limits(16:05) - Advice To Trump(19:45) - Regional Spillover Risks(25:23) - What Happens Next(30:06) - Wrap Up And Thanks--Referenced in the Show:--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

North Dakota State Climatologist Daryl Ritcheson joins the show for his annual check-in about the climate (our fourth???) - He and Jacob revisit last year’s forecast misses and hits before diving into 2026. They explore the transition from La Niña to El Niño, implications for U.S. agriculture, hurricane risk in the Gulf, and crop prospects in South America and the Black Sea. The discussion then widens into a candid debate over sea level rise, extreme weather trends, and climate data interpretation... Highlighting disagreements, long-term cycles, and the importance of questioning assumptions in an era of clickbait and politicized climate narratives.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Welcome(01:40) - Forecast Scorecard(04:02) - Federal cuts & the National Weather Service(06:52) - AI in meteorology(09:18) - Weather hype, clickbait, and short public memory(13:17) - 2026: La Niña fading, El Niño on deck(14:39) - Atlantic hurricane outlook for 2026 (Gulf Coast focus)(19:32) - Heartland & farm belt forecast(22:30) - West vs. Rockies(24:30) - Global Ag weather(27:44) - Black Sea outlook(29:34) - 1.5°C Threshold: What the Recent Record Heat Means(34:26) - Satellites vs. Tide Gauges(35:48) - Glaciers, Natural Cycles & Past Warm Periods(37:25) - Extreme Weather Claims(40:09) - Tornado Trends & the Problem of Short Data Windows(42:41) - What Actually Keeps Daryl Up at Night(44:50) - Depoliticizing Climate Talk(49:12) - India & the Monsoon(52:22) - Trusted Data Sources, Raw Data, and “Weather Rhymes”--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Louis-Vincent Gave joins The Jacob Shapiro Podcast to unpack a world that looks chaotic... but may be quietly reordering itself. From a surprising thaw in U.S.–China relations to a potential renaissance in Latin America and Canada, Louis argues that today’s volatility is accelerating deeper structural shifts. He explains why Europe remains fragmented, why energy prices could derail everything, and why investors may be thinking about risk all wrong.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Welcome & Introducing Louis Gave (Gavekal Research)(02:43) - Liberation Day Shocks(05:02) - China De‑Westernizing Supply Chains After 2018(07:40) - Trump as Accelerant(09:31) - Why a US–China Cold War Is Economically Suicidal(11:50) - Drones Change War(13:47) - The ‘Swamp’ Factor(18:27) - Defense Supply Chains & Rare Earth Dependence(21:19) - Xi’s Priorities(25:47) - Xi’s Security, PLA Purges, and Corruption Crackdowns(31:17) - Xi’s Army Purge(32:37) - US-China Rapprochement(34:36) - Who Wins if the Cold War Ends?(35:58) - Why Latin America Looks Like the Breakout Trade (40:24) - Mexico Risks(42:24) - Bullish Canada(44:37) - Does USMCA Survive? (47:31) - No Army, No Foreign Policy(51:00) - Can Europe Rebuild Real Military Power?(53:27) - Ukraine Endgame(56:23) - What Keeps Louis Up at Night(01:00:32) - Bitcoin vs Diversification(01:01:30) - Closing Thoughts--Referenced in the Show:Louis-Vincent Gave - https://research.gavekal.com/author/louis-vincent-gave/--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Something extraordinary just happened in Japan... but of course no one is paying attention!A ruling party written off as tired and scandal-plagued didn’t just win - they delivered a generational landslide. Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female Prime Minister, led her Liberal Democrats into a victory so complete that the opposition straight up imploded (see: winning 2/3 of Parliament). At the center of the dust cloud stands a leader arguing Japan must harden itself for a dangerous world: rebuild industry, rearm, and rely on no one but itself. This isn’t incremental politics. It’s a bet on national revival. If it works, Japan will change the global balance. If it fails, the country may well collapse.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(01:03) - The Significance of the Recent Japanese Election(03:11) - Analyzing the LDP's Historic Victory(07:37) - The Collapse of the Opposition(13:39) - Public Opinion and Political Dynamics(27:52) - Constraints and Challenges for Takaichi(35:13) - Sanae Takaichi's Vision for Japan(36:39) - Japan's National Crisis and Self-Reliance(38:38) - Economic and Defense Strategies(40:46) - Comparing Policies: Omics vs. Maji 2.0(45:51) - Challenges and Constraints(57:49) - Energy and Industrial Policies(01:04:53) - Geopolitical Dynamics and China's Influence(01:11:16) - Conclusion and Future Outlook--Referenced in the Show:Tobias substack - https://observingjapan.substack.com/Tobias book - https://www.amazon.com/Iconoclast-Shinzo-Abe-New-Japan/dp/1787383105--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Hamidreza Azizi joins the pod for an emergency episode on the current state of Iran amidst escalating tensions with the United States. Azizi examines the potential for conflict between the two and and offers insights into Iran's internal politics, the role of the IRGC, and the possible repercussions of a U.S. attack. --Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(01:46) - Iran's Domestic Situation(02:44) - US-Iran Tensions and Military Movements(04:08) - Iran's Response and Internal Dynamics(09:41) - Potential Scenarios and Outcomes(28:31) - Iran's Military Capabilities and Strategies(41:16) - Regional Implications and Global Reactions(54:33) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts--Referenced in the Show:Hamidreza’s Substack - https://www.irananalytica.org/Middle East Council - https://mecouncil.org/experts_members/hamidreza-azizi/--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Jacob sits down with agricultural economist Dr. David Kohl to unpack what a brutal downturn in farm profitability reveals about globalization, capital concentration, labor shortages, and long-term economic resilience. The two touch on tariffs, debt, and the limits of export-led growth, and then the conversation widens to examine how technology, demographics, and financial fragility are reshaping both rural America and the national economy. --Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction (00:56) - Discussion on US Ag Economy(02:17) - Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture(07:09) - Land Values and Institutional Investments(12:24) - Generational Transition in Farming(18:02) - Export Markets vs. Domestic Focus(23:03) - Future Trends and Strategic Insights(25:55) - Venture Capital in Agriculture(28:09) - Economic Outlook for 2026(29:21) - The K-Shaped Economy Explained(31:39) - Impact of AI and Job Cuts(34:55) - Global Economic Concerns(41:05) - Technological Advancements in Farming(49:39) - Financial Literacy and Life Skills(51:32) - Closing Remarks and Future Outlook--Referenced in the Show:Dave Kohl: https://www.farmprogress.com/author/david-kohl--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Andrey Sizov, a Black Sea agricultural markets, joins the pod to talk about about why the Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted global grain trade far less than expected - and why that may be changing. Jacob and Sizov examine recent attacks on shipping, the fragile balance keeping Black Sea exports moving, and how escalation could ripple through wheat, corn, energy markets, and global food security. Of course, they also tie in Iran, China’s commodity buying, and what geopolitical risk really means for global agriculture.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(00:24) - Black Sea Geopolitics and Agricultural Markets(01:09) - Technical Issues and Podcast Logistics(01:45) - Start of the Interview with Andre Coff(03:27) - Black Sea's Importance in Global Trade(04:32) - Market Reactions and Historical Context(06:09) - Recent Developments and Speculations(13:52) - Prospects for a Deal and Future Outlook(17:07) - Impact on U.S. Agriculture and Market Sentiments(23:00) - Turkey's Role in the Black Sea Region(24:29) - Turkey's Role in the Black Sea(26:22) - Turkey's Wheat Imports and Black Sea Stability(28:22) - Sunflower Market Insights(30:06) - Iran's Political and Economic Challenges(33:07) - US and Israeli Involvement in Iran(38:55) - China's Agricultural Trade with the US(43:13) - Global Grains Trade and Self-Sufficiency(50:02) - Conclusion and Future Outlook--Referenced in the Show:Andrey Sizov's Reports: https://sizov.report/--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Economist Mike Konczal joins the show to unpack the escalating pressure campaign against the Federal Reserve, new inflation data, and what all of this means for the U.S. economy. Jacob and Mike discuss whether Trump’s confrontation with Jerome Powell is genuinely dangerous, how tariffs and immigration policy are shaping prices and growth, and why the labor market looks weaker beneath the surface. Mike is more cautiously optimistic than we expected - but the downside risks remain real. --Timestamps:(01:26) - Fed and Executive Branch Dynamics(05:49) - Economic Consequences and Market Reactions(09:03) - Global Perspective on US Economic Policies(14:09) - Impact of Tariffs and Trade Policies(15:12) - Future of Fed Independence and Supreme Court Cases(17:06) - Economic Theories and Real-World Implications(27:01) - Economic Data Post-Government Shutdown(27:14) - Inflation Insights and Core Prices(28:02) - Trump's Approval Ratings and Economic Perception(29:03) - Unemployment Rate and Labor Market Analysis(30:48) - Federal Reserve's Stance on Inflation(31:34) - Impact of Tariffs on Inflation(33:13) - Trump's Influence on Federal Reserve Policies(41:00) - Economic Predictions for Midterms(45:43) - China's Trade Surplus and Global Impact(51:32) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts--Referenced in the Show:--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Shock, instability, climate stress, financial panic, political rupture: the question isn’t who avoids disruption, but who absorbs it and keeps moving. Jacob invites on Parag Khanna of AlphaGeo to wrestle with a harder metric than dominance or growth - resilience. What actually allows states, systems, and societies to adapt when the rules keep changing? Shapiro and Khanna explore the events driving this week's headlines (Venezuela, Iran, Greenland) and dive into the underlying systems that actually determine outcomes: resilience, adaptation, and the capacity to recover when shocks pile up. --Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction (02:10) - Geopolitical Risks and Resilience(03:10) - Historical Geopolitics and Current Events(05:11) - Challenges in Latin America(12:47) - Asia's Geopolitical Landscape(20:41) - Technological Impact on Geopolitics(34:18) - Africa's Geopolitical Future(38:38) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts--Referenced in the Show:AlphaGeo: https://alphageo.ai/Henley index: https://tinyurl.com/henleyindexParag's Site: http://paragkhanna.com/--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Venezuela has become the flashpoint for a new era of American hard power - not just a regime change, but a raw assertion of dominance over the "backyard." Elohim Monard graces the pod with his presence once more as the U.S. treats a sovereign nation like a criminal organization to secure global oil markets, and the ideological fractures across Latin America deepen. Is this the beginning of a peaceful transition or the birth of ten years of chaos? This moment forces a reckoning: what happens when stability is traded for extraction, when ideology gives way to brute pragmatism, and when Latin America’s future is shaped less by its people than by who controls the valves?--Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:12) - Discussing Recent Events in Venezuela(02:59) - US Involvement and Imperialism(06:15) - Historical Context and Comparisons(08:58) - Reactions from Latin American Leaders(14:30) - Potential Future Scenarios(24:56) - Cuba's Situation and US Strategy(27:29) - Media Critique and Final Thoughts(28:46) - Stephen Miller's Perspective on Venezuela(32:36) - US Strategy in Latin America(34:00) - Future of US Dominance in the Western Hemisphere(37:14) - Impact of Chinese Investments(44:25) - Potential Chaos in Venezuela(54:38) - Implications for Peru(58:03) - Final Thoughts and Upcoming Discussions--Referenced in the Show:--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Jacob takes on the U.S. seizure of Nicolás Maduro and what it reveals about American power, imperial strategy, and hemispheric priorities. This was less about China or narco-trafficking and more of than a blunt assertion of control over resources and geography. Venezuela is a test case, possibly a rehearsal, for deeper U.S. intervention in the Western Hemisphere, especially Cuba, and a sign of Washington consolidating power closer to home as its global leverage erodes. --Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and Emergency Episode Announcement(00:49) - Background on US-Venezuela Relations(01:44) - The US Attack on Venezuela(02:55) - Implications for Venezuela and the Region(04:16) - Historical Context and US Imperialism(05:51) - Forecasting Future Geopolitical Moves(06:33) - Cuba as the Next Geopolitical Target(15:50) - China's Influence in Latin America(18:39) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts--Subscribe to our Substack to hear more of Jacob's thoughts on the US's capture of Maduro and takeover of Venezuela.Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap--The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

What if the money in your pocket wasn’t a tool for freedom, but a mechanism for control? Inflation, surveillance, and financial exclusion actively shape who can save, speak, or participate in the global economy. Alex Gladstein joins the show to examine money as a human-rights issue, exploring how new digital tools are being used in places where traditional financial systems fail or are weaponized. Alex reframes money as a human-rights issue - tracing how digital currencies are reshaping power at the margins: enabling dissidents, protecting savings, and creating escape hatches from broken systems. It’s not about speculation or hype... it’s about sovereignty, repression, and what freedom actually looks like in a digitized global economy.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(00:17) - Bitcoin as Freedom Money(01:46) - The Need for Freedom Money(04:04) - Global Financial Repression(10:12) - Bitcoin's Resilience and Privacy(20:00) - Case Studies and Real-World Impact(23:03) - Bitcoin and the Future of Nation States(25:01) - The Cost of War and National Debt(25:36) - The Role of Banks in Government Spending(27:06) - Bitcoin's Potential to Empower People(27:36) - Dictators vs. Bitcoin(28:51) - The Rise of Stablecoins(29:43) - Bitcoin vs. Altcoins(38:13) - Ethereum's Flaws(40:39) - Bitcoin's Impact on Oppressed Nations(44:43) - The Future of Bitcoin and Dictatorships--Referenced in the Show:Alex Gladstein: https://alexgladstein.com/Freedom Money Essay – https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/why-bitcoin-is-freedom-money/--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Elohim Monard joins The Jacob Shapiro Podcast to discuss Latin America. A massive geopolitical integration in LatAm is quietly underway, fueled by a "Trumpian" rightward shift sweeping from the Southern Cone to the Rio Grande. As traditional alliances fracture, a new "practical ideology" is emerging to unite the hemisphere through hard-fist security tactics and aggressive economic pragmatism. But beneath this surface-level alignment lies a volatile paradox: a burgeoning "low-intensity war" targeting non-state actors as a pretext for permanent emergency. From the weaponization of fentanyl to state-sanctioned privateers, the line between regional stability and calculated chaos is vanishing. Latin America has suddenly returned to the center of the global board (contrary to major predictions) and the struggle for its future is no longer a civil war... but a high-stakes play for total hemispheric control.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(00:52) - Current Geopolitical Climate in Latin America(02:18) - Upcoming Elections and Political Shifts(03:36) - The Rise of Right-Wing Politics(07:20) - Brazil's Political Landscape and Lula's Role(11:37) - Economic Dependencies and China's Influence(23:01) - Strategic Infrastructure and Future Developments(27:59) - US Investment in South America(28:36) - Venezuela and Letters of Marque(30:43) - US-Venezuela Tensions Escalate(32:28) - Trump's Foreign Policy Strategy(37:16) - Potential War Against Non-State Actors(46:22) - Future of US-Venezuela Relations(50:46) - Conclusion--Referenced in the Show:Conversando de Pol ítica: https://www.conversandodepolitica.com/--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Power gets loud when it’s insecure. Strategy becomes theater. And ideology sneaks in wearing policy jargon. The White House's newest U.S. National Security Strategy claims realism while quietly demanding dominance, preaching restraint while laying groundwork for escalation. Civilizational panic collides with imperial muscle, producing a document that wants everything, everywhere, all at once. Van Jackson, Professor of International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington, sits down with Jacob Shapiro to chat about how culture war thinking seeps into grand strategy, why “prioritization” turns into mission creep, and what this blueprint signals for allies, adversaries, and a world already stretched thin. If this is restraint, buckle up :)--Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(01:40) - Understanding National Security Strategy(02:23) - Critique of the Current Administration's Strategy(07:22) - Historical Context and Comparisons(13:14) - Primitive Accumulation and Geopolitics(16:47) - Latin American Policy and Imperialism(25:33) - Military Strategy and Global Implications(29:47) - China as a Pacing Threat(30:47) - Misconceptions in Military Strategy(31:52) - Potential Conflicts in Latin America(34:23) - US Military Intervention in Mexico(35:38) - Challenges of Addressing Drug Cartels(41:56) - Hegemonic Decline and National Security(48:24) - Global Reactions to US Strategy(53:58) - Brazil's Role in Latin America(56:53) - Concluding Thoughts--Referenced in the Show:Van Jackson - https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/van.jacksonNational Security Strategy 2025 - https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdfNSS (2002) - https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/nsc/nss/2002/NSC-68 (1950) - https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/NSC68--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com --Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--